Both the Genesis and SNES Shadowrun games were superior to much of the gaming fare at the time. Saying that the Genesis Shadowrun was superior to the SNES Shadowrun is like saying that Planescape: Torment was superior to Baldur's Gate II. Still an accurate statement, but it's a disservice to the latter to advise skipping it.

Both the Genesis and SNES Shadowrun games were superior to much of the gaming fare at the time. Saying that the Genesis Shadowrun was superior to the SNES Shadowrun is like saying that Planescape: Torment was superior to Baldur's Gate II. Still an accurate statement, but it's a disservice to the latter to advise skipping it.

This thread reminds me that I have never actually played the genesis Shadowrun game. I owned a real cart of the SNES game and loved it, but sadly, one day I spilled Crystal Pepsi* (no lie) on it and was forced to sell it at the local game store under less-than-honest pretenses. Perhaps I'll spend some time looking for an emulator tonight...

As for the Kickstarter, I'm sort of skeptical, but have given them the minimum funds anyway. I reserve the right to believe it when I see the finished product, but I figure I've wasted equivalent amounts of money on worse ideas.

*Not only was this beverage pretty much gross, it stole one of my favorite games from me! I set out on a mission of revenge immediately afterward, which I am pleased to report has been completely successful.

Both the Genesis and SNES Shadowrun games were superior to much of the gaming fare at the time. Saying that the Genesis Shadowrun was superior to the SNES Shadowrun is like saying that Planescape: Torment was superior to Baldur's Gate II. Still an accurate statement, but it's a disservice to the latter to advise skipping it.

I actually thought the SNES one was kind of lame. The Genesis one is still on my list of favorite games.

Incidentally, latest update describes the reasoning behind dropping Linux support: their framework didn't support Linux at the time and they had no in-house Linux experience.

But after discussing with the framework developers and the Linux community, they are confident that at $1 million funding, they will eventually port Shadowrun Returns to Linux, albeit not at the same release time as PC/Mac. Still, it is officially part of the basic $15 fund package.

kicked in for this too, and for the record, I way prefer the SNES version over the Genesis version. The graphics were nicer, and I way preferred the music and mood of it over the Genesis version which looked like poop to me.

Sure the hacking was better in the genesis version, but i thought the game just felt better in the SNES version. was in a shadowrun campaign at that stage of my life too, and for whatever reason, the SNES version just felt truer to what I imagined. =)

Andara and I are down for a collective $60 so far. We're going to bicker over who gets the t-shirt, unless we end up bumping the pledge up to the $125 bracket, then we'll be bickering over who gets the dog-tag/USB drive. I'm guessing that whoever doesn't get the dog-tag will get the t-shirt. I'm honestly not sure which I'll want more.

As for the other kickstarters: In for $30 on Wasteland 2 (which is a pretty damn long-term investment, when we're talking 18 months away), and nothing else. While I applaud the Leisure Suit Larry KS, I don't want another remake. I played Softporn Adventure way back in the day, I played LSL1 when it came out. Al Lowe is deserving of all of the admiration and naked women that can be lavished on him, but I'd really rather just have a new Larry game, rather than rehashing the old one with new artwork.

And none of the other ones have had deadlines that worked with our fucked-up budget right now. Sorry, guys, but Shadowrun comes first, and everything else is in the dust.

Apparently, the kickstarter page is really not being kept up to date with information. One of my contentions is there's an actual dearth of information regarding the actual shadowrun game once you shrug past all of the nostalgia and gift updates. I dropped my pledge to the minimum a while ago as a result, but hopefully I'll be given information enough to convince me otherwise later on. I've heard a lot of other people say the same thing. IF they put a little more effort into their updates, they'd easily make another 25%-35% on top of what they'll be making currently from people just upping their pledge a tier or two.

Regardless of that, Jordan Weisman was a part of a recent interview (from yesterday, actually) about Shadowrun Returns. It's only audio, but if you can work past that it was actually pretty interesting (my personal preference is to read rather than listen). Interview yesterday about Shadowrun.

Apparently, the kickstarter page is really not being kept up to date with information. One of my contentions is there's an actual dearth of information regarding the actual shadowrun game once you shrug past all of the nostalgia and gift updates. I dropped my pledge to the minimum a while ago as a result, but hopefully I'll be given information enough to convince me otherwise later on. I've heard a lot of other people say the same thing. IF they put a little more effort into their updates, they'd easily make another 25%-35% on top of what they'll be making currently from people just upping their pledge a tier or two.

I'm baffled. What information do you think isn't being kept up-to-date, and what additional information do you think is lacking? Shadowrun Returns has already been explained as an isometric view game, in a style similar to the Genesis/SNES era Shadowrun games. If you've ever played either of them, that's a ton of information in a compact blurb.

Totally understandable, but from their videos this is a one shot license deal with Codemasters. It succeeds, more games are likely. It fails, no more Larry. That's enough for me to throw a little money at it.

Back on topic, I just upgraded to the Shadowrun $125 level. Box, book, usb dog tags, and I'm a sucker for soundtracks.

Apparently, the kickstarter page is really not being kept up to date with information. One of my contentions is there's an actual dearth of information regarding the actual shadowrun game once you shrug past all of the nostalgia and gift updates. I dropped my pledge to the minimum a while ago as a result, but hopefully I'll be given information enough to convince me otherwise later on. I've heard a lot of other people say the same thing. IF they put a little more effort into their updates, they'd easily make another 25%-35% on top of what they'll be making currently from people just upping their pledge a tier or two.

I'm baffled. What information do you think isn't being kept up-to-date, and what additional information do you think is lacking? Shadowrun Returns has already been explained as an isometric view game, in a style similar to the Genesis/SNES era Shadowrun games. If you've ever played either of them, that's a ton of information in a compact blurb.

Not only that, they quite literally haven't actually started on this game because they're getting Starfleet Omega ready for release.

Judging by their estimated release dates (January 2013 for SR, Summer 2013 for SO), it seems like they're going to be developing the two games in parallel. I wonder if we're going to be seeing a Shadowrun Online Kickstarter once the Shadowrun Returns Kickstarter is done.

Judging by their estimated release dates (January 2013 for SR, Summer 2013 for SO), it seems like they're going to be developing the two games in parallel. I wonder if we're going to be seeing a Shadowrun Online Kickstarter once the Shadowrun Returns Kickstarter is done.

I think I may have laced my post about Shadowrun lacking information with a bit more vitriol than necessary. That wasn't my intent. I am supporting the game and have made an effort to get the word out to others. It's definitely a cool opportunity. I think, if anything, my (?)frustration(?) stems from the sluggish flow of detailed communication.

I think a large point of contention is that while I understand they're busy finishing up their other game - crunchtime being what it is - they're seeking funding for a new, completely different game than what I've seen their company produce and are being relatively mum about the practical details. The reason for the undisclosure is explained by them saying they're still early in the development process and aren't ready for discussing specific design decisions. That's what bothers me, does that make sense?

I realize it's purely subjective, because I donated more to Doublefine and the information presented there that I'm asking about here was even less than what is riling me up for Shadowrun. And by writing this out you've shown me that my emotional ties to the Shadowrun Universe are getting in the way of my desire to really get behind the game. I suppose if you can't trust the guy who made the universe to put together at least a good story, then who can you trust (not dragons)? I've just upped my pledge.

But to be fair to my initial point, a little flavor text about it looking similar to Xcom along with Character Class contextual visions/gui plus "A graphically rich 2D turn-based single player game with deep story interaction, meaningful character development, and highly-contextual tactical combat" is the only relevant information that's been disseminated. And that's practically nothing.

Judging by their estimated release dates (January 2013 for SR, Summer 2013 for SO), it seems like they're going to be developing the two games in parallel. I wonder if we're going to be seeing a Shadowrun Online Kickstarter once the Shadowrun Returns Kickstarter is done.

It's not the same team doing the games, AFAIK.

Hence why I said, "developing in parallel."

Quote:

But to be fair to my initial point, a little flavor text about it looking similar to Xcom along with Character Class contextual visions/gui plus "A graphically rich 2D turn-based single player game with deep story interaction, meaningful character development, and highly-contextual tactical combat" is the only relevant information that's been disseminated. And that's practically nothing.

If you haven't played them, do yourself a favor, and find a friend with a Genesis and a copy of the game, or barring that, try to find an emulator for it. Combine that experience with modern techniques, UI, and usability improvements made over the past 20 years. The end game may not be exactly that (and probably won't), but that's what they're striving for - they want to evoke the same feelings and audience enthusiasm as the games 20 years ago achieved.

Robert Stackpole has a history of excellent storytelling and world-building. Neither Battletech nor Shadowrun would have anywhere near the same audience following as they do without the foundations he laid. On top of that, they've got some of the writers that were involved in Shadowrun from the very start, like Mel Odom. The only thing we don't know anything about are the programmers... and how often do you have that much insight into the games you play? Everyone knows Will Wright and Peter Molyneux, but do you know any of the programmers who worked on The Sims or Fable?

Robert Stackpole has a history of excellent storytelling and world-building. Neither Battletech nor Shadowrun would have anywhere near the same audience following as they do without the foundations he laid.

Robert Stackpole has a history of excellent storytelling and world-building. Neither Battletech nor Shadowrun would have anywhere near the same audience following as they do without the foundations he laid.

Robert Stackpole has a history of excellent storytelling and world-building. Neither Battletech nor Shadowrun would have anywhere near the same audience following as they do without the foundations he laid.

When did Mike become Bob?

I keep getting Michael Stackpole and Robert Charette confused, for no good reason, and once again I was posting at work without time to proof what I wrote. =>_<=

I think a large point of contention is that while I understand they're busy finishing up their other game - crunchtime being what it is - they're seeking funding for a new, completely different game than what I've seen their company produce and are being relatively mum about the practical details. The reason for the undisclosure is explained by them saying they're still early in the development process and aren't ready for discussing specific design decisions. That's what bothers me, does that make sense?

That's kind of the point of Kickstarter though. The key part of that name is "starter". It's a way for people to get funding to build a project, not a way for people to sell their project after it's (nearly) done. It should be expected that they're light on details because they haven't actually started making the game yet.

It's up to the contributor to decide if what's been presented is worthwhile. Since they're way past their target, seems it is in this case.

I suspect you're just antsy because you really like the series and want to know everything now, as any fan would.

I suspect you're just antsy because you really like the series and want to know everything now, as any fan would.

Shhhhh. You had me at 'Hello', Semi. You are absolutely right.

It IS kinda silly, because in a few weeks I'll put the game out of my mind for a year and just trust the devs to do their thing. I just want to know, now. Oh well. They're set to release another update later this week they said. I'll try to contain myself.

Although, I disagree with you to a certain extent regarding what Kickstarter can be used for. I think it should be used for anyone who does not have an additional source of income in order to accomplish a project to completion. It ought to be able to be a preorder for a project that is shown to have a deliberate course and plan. The Banner Saga or Grim Dawn are two great examples of this. They both have a project that is in production already yet they lack the funding to complete it and they don't have any traditional sources of income flowing into the project beyond what they personally invest (while those investments aren't enough to cover cost of living plus the project).

Honestly, if it weren't for the Shadowrun name, I'd probably be giving these guys nothing (at this point) when compared against the two examples linked above. I think a visual design document should be at the least roughed out in order to know what to expect. Something tangible. I'd be satisfied with even a mock-up of initial but subject to change ideas, I'm cool with that. But it's Shadowrun, and I gotta at least support the idea (with lots of money ).

Now, on the flip side, I think it is different when, say, the Leisure Suit Larry Guys, who already have publisher support and assets, are using kickstarter to get even more money. That is taking (in a bad way) advantage of the process.

It IS kinda silly, because in a few weeks I'll put the game out of my mind for a year and just trust the devs to do their thing.

If you put it out of mind for a year... you'll miss the release date.

I sent a letter to the team, and was told that they're shooting for a release date of 12/21/12, unless the Awakening occurs, in which case it'll be pushed back to January. Confidentially, of course, so I expect that none of you will go spreading that around.

Quote:

Now, on the flip side, I think it is different when, say, the Leisure Suit Larry Guys, who already have publisher support and assets, are using kickstarter to get even more money. That is taking (in a bad way) advantage of the process.

I think you've misunderstood what's going on with Larry. Replay Games isn't a publisher (per se), they're a developer. AFAIK, the screenshots shown in that article you linked are from old Larry games, not from the new project.

I sent a letter to the team, and was told that they're shooting for a release date of 12/21/12, unless the Awakening occurs, in which case it'll be pushed back to January. Confidentially, of course, so I expect that none of you will go spreading that around.

That is an awesome release date... the best for any SR game for a good few years now.

Judging by their estimated release dates (January 2013 for SR, Summer 2013 for SO), it seems like they're going to be developing the two games in parallel. I wonder if we're going to be seeing a Shadowrun Online Kickstarter once the Shadowrun Returns Kickstarter is done.

It's not the same team doing the games, AFAIK.

Hence why I said, "developing in parallel."

Ahh, sorry. Think the "they're" threw me off as it sounded like you were referring to HBS.

Now, on the flip side, I think it is different when, say, the Leisure Suit Larry Guys, who already have publisher support and assets, are using kickstarter to get even more money. That is taking (in a bad way) advantage of the process.

I think you've misunderstood what's going on with Larry. Replay Games isn't a publisher (per se), they're a developer. AFAIK, the screenshots shown in that article you linked are from old Larry games, not from the new project.

That's awesome, I hadn't realised Shadowrun's timeline for development was so quick. Sweet. You have made me excited four months earlier than otherwise. I like it.

To the quoted point, however. I'm totally going to get spergy in just a second, so I apologize in advance. Replay, on their website, states they are both a publisher and a developer.

Quote:

Replay Games Inc., is an entertainment software publishing and development company dedicated to making “AAA” content for PC, mobile, and next generation platforms. [...] With a focus on next-generation casual content, Replay Games is currently developing products for digital download-based platforms including Facebook, iOS, Android, PC, XBOX Live Arcade, Sony Playstation Network, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo WiiWare, and Nintendo 3DS/3DSi.

Also, the images in this article from October 2011 are identical to the HD images used in the kickstarter video when he mentions updating to new HD visuals. The media is the same. The stated Q4 2012 delivery date from the articles last year also seem oddly similar to the October 2012 completion date suggested in the kickstarter. It all just seems very coincidentally sketchy. Such is the way of things.

If I understand correctly, that stuff was prepped to pitch to publishers all of which not only said no, but hell no. All that's out there is the front of Lefty's Bar, and an animation where Larry gets run over.

The Larry brand is very tarnished. The last two games didn't help along with the viewpoint of the series by many people as a sex game.

They didn't get backing, then decided to go Kickstarter. They tried to get funding, were denied, saw the success of Double Fine and changed gears.

Also, while they have the general story they are redoing all assets, art, music, sound and implementing more interaction. (Item responses, etc.)

Sorry to bring this into the Shadowrun thread, but wanted to respond as an excited supporter of both games.

If I understand correctly, that stuff was prepped to pitch to publishers all of which not only said no, but hell no. All that's out there is the front of Lefty's Bar, and an animation where Larry gets run over.Sorry to bring this into the Shadowrun thread, but wanted to respond as an excited supporter of both games.

Huh. Good to know.

So I've got a copy of the Genesis Shadowrun game and I think I may be bad at it. I died, twice, because I accidentally fired my gun and everyone in the city ran at me, their guns ablazing. Apparently everyone in the beginning sucks handling weapons - we kept missing - but as there were 3 of them and only one of me the odds took their deadly toll. Also, is it recommended I should be a gator shaman (Alligator?, yesss!) or a street samurai? Is one more fun to play than the other?

Also, is it recommended I should be a gator shaman (Alligator?, yesss!) or a street samurai? Is one more fun to play than the other?

Be a samurai. I never had a use for magic, there's no problem an allegiance shotgun couldn't solve. Yes, I remember the brands of the weapons...

Your progression should be:Become a Samurai and perform package missions.Get better guns and upgrade to ghoul extermination and collection/enforcement missions.Raise reputation to get into better clubs.Hire the female elf decker.Grind random low-level systems for cash to upgrade your deck (especially "Attack").Once you have a mid/high level deck the game is over.

The game is highly repetitive. The combat is bonkers. In-game mechanics are unclear. The difficulty curve is more a scatter plot. The music is an acquired taste...

But I loved this game. One of my favorites of all time. In contrast, the SNES version wasn't my cup of tea. The interface begged for a mouse and the Matrix of the game was lame.

It's too bad Nigel Findley died....he would have been a great worldbuilder in the Kickstarter. His Shadowrun sourcebooks were awesome and really framed up the world well. Even his novels were heads above others.

Also, is it recommended I should be a gator shaman (Alligator?, yesss!) or a street samurai? Is one more fun to play than the other?

Be a samurai. I never had a use for magic, there's no problem an allegiance shotgun couldn't solve. Yes, I remember the brands of the weapons...

Your progression should be:Become a Samurai and perform package missions.Get better guns and upgrade to ghoul extermination and collection/enforcement missions.Raise reputation to get into better clubs.Hire the female elf decker.Grind random low-level systems for cash to upgrade your deck (especially "Attack").Once you have a mid/high level deck the game is over.

The game is highly repetitive. The combat is bonkers. In-game mechanics are unclear. The difficulty curve is more a scatter plot. The music is an acquired taste...

But I loved this game. One of my favorites of all time. In contrast, the SNES version wasn't my cup of tea. The interface begged for a mouse and the Matrix of the game was lame.

If you google for "Lets Play Shadowrun" you can see a long series of videos of someone playing the entire game. As avenue says, go with street sam and upgrade your deck. Once you can afford some upgrades to your deck talk to your Mr Johnson until you get a simple matrix mission.

Then hire the hacker companion for 1 mission. They will not leave you until you actually finish that mission.

Log into the Matrix and find the server for your mission. Explore the server but do NOT download the mission requirement data. Download as much other data as you can from other nodes. Find the data fence and sell all your data. Rinse and Repeat. I believe it is videos 8-10 of the Lets Play series that details this.

Upgrade your decks storage ASAP so you can download more data. When you are bored download the mission data and turn in. By then you should level up and be able to take on higher level matrix runs. Also, the sale price of data doesn't seem to be based on price so try to get stuff between 30-50 megs.

Update #8 has been posted at the usual place. The most interesting part (to me) of this is that they've posted samples for the possible shirts that backers at the $60+ levels will be getting:

Backers will be allowed to vote on the t-shirts once the KS drive closes. Personally, T-shirt #2 is where I'm leaning. I think that T-shirt #3 is very cool and artistic, but it's too abstract, and only people who are already familiar with it will know what it is. And #1 - while I like the pun of having the "Backer" logo on the back of the shirt, I don't really like the image on the front.